A Guide to Everyone's Favorite Pork Product: What is Bacon?
One of the most popular foods in many different cultures and cuisines is bacon. For centuries, this savory and salty pork product has been a breakfast mainstay, appearing in a variety of dishes such as salads, sandwiches, and pizza. But let's find out: what is bacon really like, and how is it made?
A Synopsis of Bacon's History. The art of curing pork belly goes back thousands of years, though it's difficult to say exactly when bacon originated. Bacon was first produced in Europe by the Romans, who also assisted the Chinese in curing their pig bellies as early as 1500 BC. One of the first meats that European settlers brought to the Americas was bacon, which rose to popularity in England in the 1500s.
There are several Germanic and French dialects that give rise to the term "bacon.". Old High German "bakkon" eventually gave rise to English "bacoun.". It's evident that bacon has long been a global favorite!
What Makes Bacon? The foundation of traditional bacon is the fatty underbelly of the pig, known as the pork belly, which contains a mottled mixture of fat and meat. Additional bacon cuts are from the side, back, or pig loin. Instead of using pork, turkey or chicken bacon is made from cuts of birds.
Using salt, nitrates, nitrites, and occasionally sugar or maple syrup, the pork belly is cured, preserved, and flavored. After that, it is gently smoked over low heat for several days over a wood fire. This cooks the bacon and adds enticing smoky notes. It's finally cut into slices and packaged for all of our bacon-loving delights!
Many Bacon types. There are several types of bacon, but these are the most popular ones: streaky bacon, which is made from pork belly with long fat veins. This is the most popular bacon prepared "American-style.".
The bacon from the back of the pig is called back bacon. It's not as fat as streaky bacon.
Lean pork loin is also the source of Ca
One of the most popular foods in many different cultures and cuisines is bacon. For centuries, this savory and salty pork product has been a breakfast mainstay, appearing in a variety of dishes such as salads, sandwiches, and pizza. But let's find out: what is bacon really like, and how is it made?
A Synopsis of Bacon's History. The art of curing pork belly goes back thousands of years, though it's difficult to say exactly when bacon originated. Bacon was first produced in Europe by the Romans, who also assisted the Chinese in curing their pig bellies as early as 1500 BC. One of the first meats that European settlers brought to the Americas was bacon, which rose to popularity in England in the 1500s.
There are several Germanic and French dialects that give rise to the term "bacon.". Old High German "bakkon" eventually gave rise to English "bacoun.". It's evident that bacon has long been a global favorite!
What Makes Bacon? The foundation of traditional bacon is the fatty underbelly of the pig, known as the pork belly, which contains a mottled mixture of fat and meat. Additional bacon cuts are from the side, back, or pig loin. Instead of using pork, turkey or chicken bacon is made from cuts of birds.
Using salt, nitrates, nitrites, and occasionally sugar or maple syrup, the pork belly is cured, preserved, and flavored. After that, it is gently smoked over low heat for several days over a wood fire. This cooks the bacon and adds enticing smoky notes. It's finally cut into slices and packaged for all of our bacon-loving delights!
Many Bacon types. There are several types of bacon, but these are the most popular ones: streaky bacon, which is made from pork belly with long fat veins. This is the most popular bacon prepared "American-style.".
The bacon from the back of the pig is called back bacon. It's not as fat as streaky bacon.
Lean pork loin is also the source of Ca